Dave Bewley-Taylor

I met Dave really briefly at a workshop in September 2024. Despite only working with him for a day, his passion and exceptional knowledge in the subject was so apparent, and I felt really lucky to have shared a room with him. I am shocked to hear this news, and send condolences from all at Nihon.

Very sad and shocking news about Dave. When I was a very early career academic in 1989/1990 I first met Dave in a joyously out of my control seminar group - I remember that Dave, Penny O'Hara and Chris Jones and all the rest rarely agreed on anything! The time went really fast! Dave wrote an excellent essay on international drug trafficking and soon after we had our first chat about a dissertation on international drug control - appropriately at a point where cars could get passed each other on the way to the sea. He was driving down to this lovely surfing bay near Mumbles, not being a surfer I was driving away. I grumbled about the lack of a decent book on international drug control - in the next few years he wrote a great PhD and then The United States and International Drug Control still the best there is. He was, as everyone has written, a joy to be with and work with.

The last time I heard from Dave was on his birthday. September 24th. I’m only realising it was his birthday as I write this. The last time I saw him was the day previously, at a meeting I had organised to help advise a new harm reduction programme I am building here in Wales. Of course Dave was one of the first people I asked to join the project, and of course he said yes. He was always equally committed to helping support local harm initiatives in Wales as he was to flying around the world to participate in high level global drug meetings. In the same way he was equally committed to spending time helping a student talk through a topic or question on drug policy as he was sitting at the table with UN policy makers. That’s just who he was. Caring and committed. That meeting with Dave a few weeks ago was one of the countless times we had worked together over many years, on big projects and small. I never imagined it would be the last time. His work was so influential in our field, yet you would never know that to meet him. He was always so modest about his contributions. Our movement has so much to thank him for. As do I personally. He was always such a supportive friend and colleague, both while I was in the NGO sector, after I joined him on staff at Swansea University (a job that I got in no small part because of his help) and after I left the uni for a job at Public Health Wales as well. Whether it was a Teams meeting, a coffee on campus or a beer in some international city or conference, you always knew Dave would be in good humour, his bright smile and laugh lighting up the room. Cath, Poppy, and Fynn, I can’t imagine the loss you’re feeling. I only know my own, and the grief running throughout our global community this week. I have been getting messages from friends. NGO and academic colleagues. Former students. No one can believe it. Everyone is hurting. Tears are being shed around the world for a man who was friend, comrade and mentor to so many of us. Please know that in your own grief that Dave will live on through so many of us who will never forget him. Whenever and wherever the global drug policy family meets next we will hold an empty chair for him. And we will laugh, cry and toast the memory of our dear friend. Roedd e yn ffrind arbennig iawn.

It is hard to think of a kinder, more generous and brilliant man. Dave, never showing off his numerous accomplishments, always built people up and encouraged them to be the best version of themselves. While working together at Swansea, he inspired me in more ways than I think he knew. I will never forget him. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. Thank you, Dave, for everything!

From Daniel Wolfe: In a world of sometimes self important drug policy proclaimers, Dave actually watched, listened and reflected. He led the way for so many in understanding the actors and dynamics. And was modest and kind. A great loss, and crazily terribly young. Sending love and strength to his family.

I've been thinking so much about Dave these days. I worked with him briefly on a number of projects and reports. Besides his kindness, intelligence, and charisma, the one thing I remember the most is that I felt so much better about myself after every single conversation we had. He inhabited this world where every project was exciting and special, something that was intellectually thrilling and would make a difference in the world. And if you were lucky enough to be part of it this brilliance was extended to you. I have never met anyone that would come even close to him in that regard. The outpour of love for Dave from all over the world is a testimony to this and to his extraordinary achievements. To Cath, Poppy and Flynn - I'm so deeply sorry for your loss. Please accept my most sincere condolences.

The team here in the Caribbean would like to say thank you to the family of Dave, for sharing him with us. He was indeed a true giant in his field and the support and care that he gave to us here can never be replaced. Condolences to his family and friends. But rest assured that we will carry on his work and legacy.

From Genevieve Harris: This loss is terrible; he was such a wonderful man. For myself as young person working in drug policy some nearly 20yrs ago he was an empowering teacher and a kind and funny friend. When he would tell me about his home life in Wales and his family and how he would often surf and swim and be in nature - I thought he had it all figured out. I’ve reached out a few times in recent years when there have been opportunities at my current work place for young people and he’s always been willing to share on his network in the hopes of lifting others up - in the way he did with me. I will always remember him as a twinkly-eyed happy man and hope he was able to stay himself throughout despite this early and cruel illness. His family have all my love. I can’t work out how to post on the In Memoriam page you’ve linked but please add my words if you can to the swell of love I see there already.